The song is well known for its signature riff, which is a 3-tone minor-key melody harmonized in parallel fourths. In 2009, it was named the 32nd best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
"Cat Scratch Fever" is a rock song by Ted Nugent that appears on the album of the same name.
The album was released on May 13, 1977, by Epic Records. Vocalist Derek St. Holmes, who had left the band during the recording of the album Free-for-All, had come back for touring in 1976 and was again the principle lead singer on this album.
The tune was covered by Pantera for Detroit Rock City's CD soundtrack. Their version peaked at 40 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Nugent criticized the version claiming, "It was exceedingly white. No soul, no balls, no feel. Caucasian all the way."
Lyrics
Well I don't know where they come from
But they sure do come
I hope they comin' for me
And I don't know how they do it but they sure do it good
I hope they doin' it for free
They give me cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
The first time that I got it
I was just ten years old
I got it from some kitty next door
I went and see the Dr. and he gave me the cure
I think I got it some more
They give me cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
I got a bad cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
It's nothin' dangerous I feel no pain
I've got to ch-ch-change
You know you got it when you're going insane
It makes a grown man cryin' cryin'
Won't you make my bed
I make the pussy purr with the stroke of my hand
They know they gettin' it from me
They know just where to go
When they need their lovin' man
They know I do it for free
I give 'em cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
They got it bad scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Cat scratch fever
Songwriters: Ted Nugent
Cat Scratch Fever lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc